The Pathfinders Summer Camp
Grounded in identity. Driven by exploration.
The Pathfinders Summer Camp is a faith-centered experience where children explore, reflect, and grow through nature, creativity, and meaningful connection to their identity. Each week is designed to nurture confidence, character, and curiosity in a safe, engaging environment.
About the Program
A summer rooted in faith, growth, and joyful learning
Al Fatih Academy’s Pathfinders Summer Camp is designed to give children a meaningful and engaging summer grounded in their Islamic identity. Through weekly themes, hands-on activities, outdoor experiences, reflection, and community, students are encouraged to grow in confidence, character, and curiosity.
Families can register for one or multiple weeks, allowing flexibility while giving children the opportunity to participate in a high-quality summer experience that is both enriching and fun!
Summer Camp Information
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Dates
June 22 - August 7, 2026
Monday Through Friday -
Camp Hours
10:00AM - 2:00PM (Daily Hours)
Before care available from 8:00AM and
After care available until 4:00PM (additional fee) -
Age Groups
Open to ages 3-17
Students grouped by age and development stage -
Admission Fee
Admission Fee: $350 (per week)
Snacks provided - Please pack lunch
Weekly Themes
A Summer of Meaningful exploration
Core Question: Why did Allah create me?
Children begin by exploring who they are and understanding that they were created by Allah with purpose and intention. Through reflection and creative expression, they’ll be encouraged to see their unique value and the goodness (fitrah) within them.
Week 1: Identity and Purpose
6/22-6/26
Core Question: What do I learn about Allah from the world around me?
This week invites children to observe the world around them and recognize the signs of Allah in creation. Through outdoor exploration and journaling, they’ll develop a deeper sense of connection, curiosity, and awe.
Week 2: Knowing Allah Through His Creation
6/29- 7/3
Core Question: What does my heart love most?
Children will reflect on what their hearts are attached to and learn to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and influences. This week builds emotional awareness and helps guide their love and focus toward what truly matters.
Week 3: Attachment and Awareness
7/6-7/10
Week 4: Growing Strong
7/13-7/17
Core Question: How do I grow into someone better?
This week focuses on building resilience, patience (sabr), and the value of consistent effort. Through hands-on activities and challenges, children will learn that growth takes time, intention, and perseverance.
Core Question: What does it look like to live for Allah?
Inspired by the stories of the companions, children will explore what it means to stand for truth and live with courage. They’ll learn that loving Allah gives them the strength to make the right choices, even when it’s difficult.
Week 5: Courage, Love and Sacrifice
7/20-7/24
Core Question: How do I act when no one is watching?
Children will focus on developing strong character by striving for excellence in their actions. They’ll learn about kindness, honesty, and integrity — especially in moments when no one else is watching.
Week 6: Living With Ihsan
7/27- 7/31
Core Question: What will I do with what I’ve learned?
In the final week, children reflect on what they’ve learned and how they can carry it into their lives beyond camp. They’ll be encouraged to see themselves as individuals who can make a positive impact and live with purpose.
Week 7: Responsibility & Legacy
8/3- 8/7
Our Program
Pre-school & Pre-K (Ages 3-4)
Our Preschool and Pre-K learners will engage in age-appropriate, hands-on activities designed to nurture both their curiosity and development. Through interactive exploration of Qur’anic stories, animals, and the world around them, students will build early connections to their faith in a joyful and meaningful way. Each day will include opportunities to practice essential developmental skills such as language, fine and gross motor coordination, social interaction, and creative expression, all within a caring and engaging environment that allows them to learn through play, discovery, and guided exploration.
Elementary & Middle School
Our K–8 program invites students to explore big questions of identity, purpose, and their connection to Allah and the world around them through an Islamic lens. Learning is designed to engage both the heart and mind, helping students make sense of their experiences in a meaningful and grounded way.
Through stories, discussion, and hands-on activities, students engage themes like character, gratitude, responsibility, and belonging. The goal is to nurture thoughtful, confident young Muslims who are growing in awareness of who they are and how they choose to live.
High School (Weeks 3-5)
The High School Program invites students into a meaningful exploration of Islam through Qur’an-centered learning, discussion, and reflection. Drawing from areas of the Islamic sciences such as ‘aqīdah, fiqh, tazkiyah, and sīrah, students engage themes like identity, purpose, personal growth, excellence, and responsibility in ways that connect directly to the realities of high school life.
Each day includes two learning sessions led by Ustadh Ismail Ibn Ali. The Compass focuses on Islamic Studies rooted in Qur’anic text and scholarly tradition, while The Toolkit develops transferable skills such as close reading, discussion, argumentation, and reflection. Together, these sessions help students strengthen both their understanding of Islam and their ability to think carefully, communicate clearly, and engage the world with confidence.
Meet Our Camp Leads
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Ustadh Ismail Ibn Ali
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Ustadh Ismail bin Ali serves as the Head of School at Al Fatih Academy and brings years of experience in Islamic education and leadership. His vision is rooted in nurturing well-rounded students who embody strong character, sincerity, and a love for learning. Through his guidance, the summer program reflects AFA’s commitment to providing a safe, faith-centered environment where students can grow both academically and spiritually. -
Brother Ahmad Ghassab
EXPERIENCE DESIGNER
Ahmad is the lead designer of AFA’s Summer Camp, shaping the overall experience with a focus on intentional, meaningful learning. His work centers on helping children grow in character, confidence, and connection to Allah through reflection, nature, and creative expression. By bringing together art, outdoor experiences, and “heart work,” he creates spaces where students feel seen, grounded, and inspired to grow both inwardly and outwardly. -
Ms. Durkhanai Rahmani
PS/PK TEACHER
Ms. Durkhanai Rahmani is the Pre-Kindergarten Homeroom teacher at Al Fatih Academy with extensive experience in both Montessori and traditional early childhood education. She holds two Montessori teaching diplomas, including an AMS credential from the Northern Virginia Montessori Institute and an International Montessori diploma from the North American Montessori Center.
What You can Expect from Pathfinders
Hands-on projects and creative activities that Strengthen Academic Skills
Storytelling and meaningful discussions
focus on character and islamic values
Outdoor exploration and nature-based learning
A Typical Day at Pathfinders
Each day is designed with a thoughtful balance of movement, reflection, creativity, faith, and connection.
Elementary & Middle School
A balance of movement, reflection, creativity, and connection.
Arrival
Children ease into the day through free play, connecting with friends, and settling into the environment.
Morning Circle
Stretching, mindfulness, and intentions for the day. We begin with a simple question connected to the weekly theme.
Exploration Block 1
Hands-on activities connected to the weekly theme, including group challenges, storytelling, building projects, or guided discussions.
Exploration Block 2
Children rotate into a new experience such as outdoor play, nature exploration, team-building games, or creative expression.
Lunch & Community Time
A relaxed time to eat, connect, and recharge while building character and connection through natural conversation.
Exploration Block 3
A lighter reflective block with nature walks, journaling, gardening, art, or small group discussions.
Dhuhr Prayer & Reflection
Students come together for prayer and a calm moment of reflection, connecting the day back to purpose and intention.
Dismissal
Students prepare to head home after a meaningful day of learning, play, and reflection.
High School Program
Deeper learning, reflection, and meaningful discussion.
Arrival & Independent Time
Students settle in, review notes, or prepare for the day.
Opening Circle
Intentions, short reflection, and a guiding question connected to the weekly theme.
Islamic Studies Session 1
Focused learning covering identity, purpose, tafsir, or selected readings through interactive, real-life discussion.
Break & Reset
Time to recharge, step outside, or connect with peers.
Islamic Studies Session 2
Students continue learning through discussion, group work, or case-based reflection.
Lunch & Community Time
A relaxed space for conversation, connection, and informal mentorship.
Reflection & Application
Journaling, small group discussions, or guided activities focused on applying what was learned to real life.
Dhuhr Prayer
Prayer together as a community.
Closing Circle
Final reflections, takeaways, and intention-setting for the rest of the day.
Dismissal
Students prepare to head home.
Preschool & Pre-K
A gentle, nurturing day filled with play, faith, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Arrival / Drop Off
Students settle in through calm free play, sensory activities, puzzles, books, and connecting with friends.
Morning Circle
Surah Al-Fatiha, morning duas, calendar, weather, light exercises, and an introduction to the day’s theme.
Cleanup
Students clean up, wash hands, and get ready for morning snack.
Morning Snack
Students enjoy snacks brought from home. AFA is a nut-free school.
Restroom / Wash Hands
Students prepare for outdoor recess, weather permitting.
Outdoor Play & Nature Exploration
Outdoor play and nature exploration, or indoor recess with games and Preschool/Pre-K PE equipment.
Hands-on Learning
Theme-based activities including sensory play, Islamic arts and crafts, science projects, and building activities.
Quran, Arabic & Nasheeds
Students practice Quran, Arabic alphabets, and nasheeds.
Lunch
Students enjoy lunch brought from home. AFA is a nut-free school.
Story Time & Creative Activities
Story time, journals, coloring, STEAM projects, arts and crafts, and library visits twice a week.
Dhuhr Prayer & Closing Dua
Students pray Dhuhr in class with their teachers and close the day with dua.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, we do not provide lunch. Please pack a lunch for your child. Snacks will be provided.
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Each day includes a balance of outdoor exploration, creative expression, guided reflection, and group activities. Children engage in hands-on experiences that invite them to think, create, and connect, while also having time to play and build friendships.
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Children should come prepared for outdoor activity with comfortable clothing, snacks, and a water bottle.
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The High School program will span two weeks of summer camp (Weeks 3 through 5) and led by Ustadh Ismail. More details to come.
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Nature and art are central to the experience. Children spend time outdoors observing, reflecting, and exploring. They also use art as a way to process ideas, express thoughts, and connect deeper to what they are learning.
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Yes. We share updates, highlights, and important information with parents throughout the program so you can stay connected to your child’s experience.